Let’s be honest—college life feels a little loud right now. Between endless to-do lists, the pressure of midterms, and the constant ping of notifications, it’s so easy to lose touch with who you actually are outside of your GPA. Lately, I’ve been craving those slower days—the kind where you don’t wake up just to rush to a lecture, where your coffee actually stays warm long enough to finish it, and where peace feels possible again. That’s how I stumbled into my “Healing Season”—a softer, simpler way to care for yourself that doesn’t require a $200 spa day or a 6 a.m. HIIT class. It’s about coming back home to yourself through small rituals that make you feel grounded.
1. Curating My Digital Space
One of the hardest lessons I’ve learned between classes is that saying “no” isn’t selfish; it’s necessary. One of the biggest parts of my reset has been realizing I don’t owe constant access to everyone, especially on social media. If an account or a group chat leaves me feeling drained, I’ve learned it’s okay to take a step back. Protecting your peace is self-care, and when you’re a student, it’s one of the bravest things you can do.
2. Nourishing, Not Punishing
I used to think of “wellness” as just another chore on my list, but I’ve realized my body doesn’t need punishment—it needs kindness. I’ve started treating my caffeine fix as a pause rather than just fuel to pull an all-nighter. Whether it’s matcha or tea, I try to pay attention to the steam and that very first sip. It reminds me that life isn’t meant to be rushed, even when the semester feels like it is.
3. Dressing for My Own Joy
For me, this “Hot Girl Healing” isn’t just about the aesthetic; it’s about emotional warmth, too. I’ve started romanticizing my evenings: dim lighting, soft music, and hanging out with my friends or a comfort show. I’ve learned that I deserve to feel good in my space and my clothes, not just “get things done” for a professor. It’s about doing what feels right for my soul.
4. Reclaiming My Solitude
I’ve finally accepted that rest isn’t lazy—it’s actually where the real healing happens. Writing in my journal gives my messy, mid-semester thoughts a place to land and slows down that mental chaos. It’s just me, my pen, and a few quiet minutes that belong completely to me, with no pressure to be perfect. It helps me make sense of everything that’s been sitting heavy lately.
My New Mindset
At its heart, this season is about softness—learning to meet yourself where you are, not where your parents, your school, or the world expects you to be. I didn’t have to change my whole life to start feeling better; I just had to start small.
I’ve learned that sometimes, the most powerful thing you can do for your well-being is to simply slow down and let yourself be.